Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Bucs should have Jacquez Green back in the lineup this week, but Bert Emanuel still seems to be another week or two away. ... The Buccaneer offense as a whole is struggling, and these are some of the reasons: The offensive line isn’t playing up to its 1997 standards, the play-calling is too predictable and FB Mike Alstott, who missed most of training camp, is not yet in good football shape.

Chicago Bears — WR Curtis Conway’s status for Sunday is still up in the air. He has a strained groin. If he can’t go, Chris Penn will start. Conway’s absence didn’t seem to affect QB Erik Kramer last week, when Bobby Engram stepped up as a deep threat. However, if Conway is out for any prolonged stretch, his absence will hurt the Bears’ offense.

Green Bay Packers — With WR Robert Brooks (back) not practicing full time and needing rest during games, the Packers have expanded Derrick Mayes’ role. He responded big-time last week and may be worth starting in bigger leagues. ... Keep an eye on TE Tyrone Davis.

Detroit Lions — Rookie QB Charlie Batch has yet to throw a TD pass, but he did run for a score last week. He is a very good scrambler. Expect Batch, who has a very strong arm, to start throwing the ball downfield a little more in the coming weeks.

Denver Broncos — QB John Elway tweaked his back in practice Thursday, putting his status for Sunday up in the air. ... WR Rod Smith has yet to score a touchdown after leading the team with 12 a year ago. However, it isn’t a matter of Smith doing something wrong; he simply hasn’t gotten his turn yet.

Kansas City Chiefs — It’s looking more and more as though Rich Gannon will start at quarterback this week. Elvis Grbac was unable to practice on Wednesday, and it’s unlikely the Chiefs will send him into battle vs. Seattle with only two days of practice. ... Tony Gonzalez has yet to score this season, but he will continue to get plenty of opportunities. He’s tied for the team lead in receptions.

Oakland Raiders — PK Greg Davis is in serious trouble, mainly because of his shallow kickoffs. The Raiders have been auditioning replacements.

San Diego Chargers — Rookie WR Mikhael Ricks has been benched in favor of Charlie Jones. Ricks simply isn’t refined enough yet to play at an NFL level. ... Look for the Chargers, whose play-calling was questioned last week, to give the ball to RB Natrone Means a lot more vs. the Colts.

New York Giants — Gary Brown has been named the starter at tailback. He didn’t have a great game last week, but he has been less unimpressive than the Giants’ other tailbacks. Tiki Barber will be relegated to the third-down role, where the Giants hope he’ll be able to regain his confidence.

Philadelphia Eagles — Even though Rodney Peete has been more effective, Ray Rhodes has elected to go with Bobby Hoying at quarterback this week. Hoying has led the team to just one touchdown in 31 possessions. Peete has led the team to three touchdowns in 12 possessions.

New England Patriots — Ben Coates (ankle) should be much closer to 100 percent this week, but the Patriots are more concerned about his mental state. Coates’ 38-year-old sister recently passed away, and he also lost an aunt not too long ago. Coates has just three receptions this season. ... With Terry Glenn and Troy Brown catching more passes, Shawn Jefferson’s production has declined.

New York Jets — Bill Parcells has announced that Vinny Testaverde will get the start at quarterback this week. Even though he has been practicing, Glenn Foley is still not 100 percent. Parcells reiterated that Foley is still the regular starter and will resume that role when he’s ready. ... WR Wayne Chrebet’s status is up in the air. He has a badly sprained ankle.

Miami Dolphins — When asked if he was going to play this week, Dolphin WR O.J. McDuffie (ankle) said, "Of course."